Enlightened Script Quill

From: Actarism

This quill, seemingly made from the feather of a mythical bird, is used to inscribe profound truths and insights onto paper. When written with mindful intention, the script glows with ethereal light and imparts wisdom to those who read it. The quill’s writing can be used to inspire unity, encourage empathy, and instigate introspection in both followers and non-followers alike.

Lore: The lore of the Enlightened Script Quill traces back to an ancient scholar known for their deep understanding of Actarism’s teachings. It is said that they communed with the spirits of nature and received a gift from a mythical bird, a feather that was the embodiment of cosmic knowledge. The scholar crafted the quill from this feather, and its ink was believed to be composed of the essence of the universe itself. When used with a mindful heart and clear intention, the quill’s script becomes a channel for the wisdom of Actara, bridging the gap between the material and spiritual realms.

Values and Level One Stats:

• Wisdom Ink: When used to write with mindful intention, the quill imparts a +15% bonus to Insight skill checks for those who read the script.
• Empathy Aura: The quill’s script can be read aloud to create an aura of empathy within a 20-foot radius, granting a +10% bonus to Empathy skill checks for allies within the aura.

Skills:

• Insight: The quill’s writing enhances the reader’s ability to gain insights and understanding.

Cost and Requirements:

• Cost: 450 gold coins
• Requirements: Must be a dedicated follower of Actarism with a deep understanding of the philosophy’s teachings. The quill must be consecrated in a ritual led by a recognized priest of Actarism.

Tags:

• Enlightening: The quill imparts wisdom and insight to those who read its script.
• Empathic Enhancement: The quill’s script fosters empathy and understanding.
• Sacred: The quill is considered a sacred tool of Actarism.
• Additional: Cosmic, Insightful, Ethereal, Mystic, Inspirational, Divinatory, Script-bound, Transcendent, Ritualistic, Illuminated

Selling and Availability: The Enlightened Script Quill is not typically available for commercial sale. Instead, it is often granted to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to Actarism’s teachings and values. Temples and recognized spiritual leaders of Actarism may award the quill as a symbol of recognition for a follower’s commitment to spreading wisdom and empathy.

Environment and Combat Usage: The quill is most often used in quiet and contemplative environments, such as libraries, study chambers, and meditation spaces within Actarism’s temples. Followers of Actarism use the quill to inscribe profound truths and insights, which are then shared with others to inspire unity, encourage empathy, and foster introspection. In combat, the quill’s script can be read aloud to create an aura of empathy, enhancing the empathic skills of allies within the radius. Additionally, the quill’s writings can be used to counter negative intentions and inspire adversaries to question the impact of their actions, fostering understanding even in the midst of conflict. Its strategic usage aligns with Actarism’s principles of enlightenment, empathy, and the interconnectedness of actions and consequences.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The quill’s feather shimmers with a celestial glow, shifting between hues of gold, silver, and deep violet. As it moves across the surface, the ink appears to hover momentarily before sinking into the page, leaving behind script that pulses faintly, as though breathing.
  • Sound: A faint whisper accompanies each stroke, like distant voices speaking in unison, harmonizing with the quill’s movements. The sound is neither distracting nor overwhelming, instead offering a comforting presence.
  • Touch: The quill feels impossibly light, yet firm, as if guiding the user’s hand rather than simply being held. A warmth spreads from the fingertips up the arm, filling the user with clarity and purpose.
  • Smell: A subtle fragrance of aged parchment and wildflowers lingers in the air, reminiscent of a sacred library untouched by time.
  • Taste: A faint, cool sensation tingles at the tongue, similar to the crisp air before a storm or the first sip of pure spring water.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Flow of Thought: Ideas seem to take shape more naturally, the quill almost predicting intent before words are fully formed.
    • Emotional Resonance: Each word written carries an emotional weight, imprinting not only knowledge but a deep sense of connection with its meaning.
    • Temporal Awareness: Time feels fluid, stretching or compressing depending on the depth of focus and intent.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The script left behind by the quill glows faintly for a moment before settling into the page. Depending on the intent, the words may take on a subtle color shift, reflecting the emotions behind them.
  • Sound: A soft hum fills the air, almost imperceptible, as if the quill itself is harmonizing with an unseen force.
  • Touch: If one runs their fingers over the writing, they may feel a slight warmth, as if the ink retains the essence of the quill’s energy.
  • Smell: The air carries a subtle but pleasant scent, like parchment infused with morning dew and fresh ink.
  • Taste: None unless actively interacting with the quill’s energy, in which case a slight tingling sensation occurs.
  • Extra-Sensory Perceptions:
    • Aura of Understanding: Those near the quill feel a gentle push toward clarity, their minds more receptive to deep thought and insight.
    • Harmonic Energy: Those sensitive to magic or divine forces may perceive radiant strands of light weaving through the script, binding thoughts to a greater whole.
• Positives:
  • Enhances the clarity of thoughts and promotes wisdom.
  • Strengthens emotional resonance, making written words more impactful.
  • Creates an aura that encourages understanding and introspection.
  • Can inspire unity and peace through written or spoken messages.
• Negatives:
  • Writing with it too long may lead to a mild dissociation from reality, as if lost in a stream of consciousness.
  • Deep emotional imprints in writing may make the user vulnerable to their own subconscious thoughts surfacing.
  • The quill’s influence may cause hesitation in deception, making it difficult to write falsehoods.
  • Overuse may result in fatigue, as channeling insight and wisdom is mentally exhausting.

Crafting Recipe: Enlightened Script Quill

• Materials Needed:
  • Feather of a Celestial Avian (1) – A plume from a mythical or divine bird, imbued with the essence of wisdom.
  • Ink of Cosmic Insight (1 vial) – A blend of crushed stardust, powdered moonstone, and sacred spring water, refined under the light of a full moon.
  • Silver-threaded Quill Shaft (1) – A lightweight quill stem reinforced with fine silver threads to channel mystical energy.
  • Ethereal Binding Silk (1 spool) – Spider silk from a sacred spinner, used to enhance the quill’s connection to higher realms.
  • Glyph-etched Parchment (Optional, for Testing) – A sheet of enchanted paper designed to reveal the quill’s potency before full activation.
• Tools Required:
  • Engraving Stylus – Used to etch microscopic runes along the quill’s shaft, binding its energy.
  • Moonlit Basin – A purified silver basin filled with consecrated water, necessary for tempering the quill’s energy.
  • Ritual Candles (3) – Must be lit during the crafting process to stabilize magical energies.
  • Alchemist’s Mortar & Pestle – Used to grind the stardust and moonstone into a fine powder for ink infusion.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Calligraphy & Inscription (Advanced Level) – The crafter must possess skill in sacred writing and glyphwork.
  • Alchemy (Intermediate Level) – Necessary for brewing the Ink of Cosmic Insight with the proper potency.
  • Spiritual Attunement (Intermediate Level) – Required to harmonize the quill’s energy with the wielder’s intent.
  • Arcane Crafting or Artifice (Advanced Level) – Ensures the enchantment properly bonds with the materials.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Prepare the Ink of Cosmic Insight: Using the alchemist’s mortar and pestle, grind the stardust and moonstone into a fine powder. Mix with sacred spring water while chanting a mantra of wisdom. Let the mixture sit under moonlight for an entire night before use.
  • Weave the Quill Shaft: Using the silver-threaded quill shaft, carefully bind the celestial feather to it with ethereal binding silk. Ensure the silk is wrapped in a precise spiral pattern to maintain the quill’s resonance.
  • Etch the Arcane Runes: Using the engraving stylus, inscribe tiny runes of insight along the quill’s length. These must be written with a steady hand, ensuring the symbols follow the natural curvature of the feather.
  • Infuse the Quill with the Ink: Dip the tip of the quill into the Ink of Cosmic Insight, allowing the ink to saturate its fibers. Perform a focused meditation during this step to channel intent into the quill.
  • Ritual of Consecration: Place the quill in the Moonlit Basin while surrounding it with three lit ritual candles. Recite an invocation to harmonize the energies, allowing the quill to absorb divine resonance.
  • Test the Quill’s Activation: Use the quill to write a passage on glyph-etched parchment. If the script glows softly and imparts wisdom upon reading, the crafting was successful. If the glow flickers or fades quickly, additional meditation and energy attunement may be required.
  • Final Sealing: Allow the quill to rest for one full day before use, ensuring the enchantment settles properly.

Completion & Use: Once completed, the Enlightened Script Quill is ready for use by those with a deep understanding of wisdom and spiritual insight. Properly wielding it allows for profound writing that inspires empathy, unity, and enlightenment.

Feather That Spoke Without Voice

Long ago, before the knowing of letters, when sky and earth still whispered but men could not hear, there was a scholar of no name. This one sat beneath great tree, where wind told secrets and stars blinked slow. The scholar wished for wisdom beyond men’s tongues, for truth that did not bend as reeds in storm.

For many days and many silences, the scholar listened, but truth did not come. The mouth of the wind was open, but its words were lost. The hands of the river held knowledge, but they let it slip away. The earth kept its stories hidden, deep below where roots clung tight. And so the scholar, tired from much waiting, stood and turned to leave.

Then, from the sky, a feather fell. Not fast as rain, not slow as snow, but drifting, as if it searched. It was of no bird known, shining with light not of sun nor moon. The scholar caught it, and in that moment, silence spoke. Not in words, not in sound, but in feeling. The scholar understood, though nothing had been said.

With this feather, the scholar wrote, but the ink did not stay still. It shimmered, it moved, it shifted like the river, but the meaning did not change. The words were alive, but they did not lie. People came, and when they read, they too felt the silence speak. They wept without sorrow, they laughed without jest, for they had been shown what was always there, yet never seen.

But there were those who did not wish for all to hear the silence. A jealous scribe, hands thick with ink that did not glow, sought to break the feather, to silence its voice. With great anger, the scribe burned the scholar’s writings and cast the feather into the wind. But fire cannot burn silence, and wind cannot scatter what has no weight.

The feather was gone, but its voice remained, hidden in all things that wished to be known. The scholar, though now without the feather, smiled, for wisdom had already been set free. And so, the feather still falls, though no eyes may see it, and its words still speak, though no ears may hear.

Moral: Truth does not belong to the tongue, nor to the hand, but to the silence between them.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition) Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Type: Occult Artifact
• Sanity Cost: 1d3 upon first use (due to the sudden influx of insight)
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink: When used to write, the quill enhances clarity of thought. Any character who reads the writing gains a +10% bonus to Occult, Cthulhu Mythos (if applicable), or Psychology rolls for the next hour.
  • Empathy Aura: When a passage is read aloud, all individuals within 10 yards must roll Power (POW) vs. 50. Success grants a sense of profound understanding, improving Persuade and Charm checks by one difficulty level for 10 minutes.
• Drawback: Each time the quill is used to write a deep revelation, the user must make a Sanity Check (0/1d4 loss) due to the overwhelming nature of universal truths.

Blades in the Dark Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Item Type: Fine Tool (Load: 0)
• Quality: Tier III (Requires a philosopher, mystic, or scholar to wield effectively)
• Abilities:
  • Wisdom Ink: When used to draft a message with careful intent, any downtime action related to acquiring knowledge or insight gains +1d if the script is referenced.
  • Empathy Aura: Once per score, the wielder may read a passage aloud, forcing all present to resist with Resolve (Desperate Position, Standard Effect) or become Momentarily Awed (unable to take hostile actions for one round).
• Drawback: The quill refuses to inscribe deception—any attempt to write a deliberate falsehood results in a failed roll and a faint, lingering burning sensation in the wielder’s hand.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition) Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Wondrous Item, Rare (Requires Attunement by a Cleric, Bard, or Wizard with proficiency in Calligrapher’s Tools)
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink: When used to write a passage, any creature that reads the text within the next 24 hours gains advantage on Intelligence (History) and Wisdom (Insight) checks related to the subject.
  • Empathy Aura (Recharge 5-6): As an action, the wielder may read from the quill’s writing. All creatures within 20 feet must make a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be charmed for 1 minute, unable to act with hostility unless attacked.
• Curse: If the quill is used to deceive or spread falsehoods, the writer must succeed on a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw or suffer disadvantage on all Charisma checks for 24 hours due to internal conflict.

Knave Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Type: Magical Writing Implement
• Effect:
  • Wisdom Ink: When writing with the quill, any text becomes enchanted. Reading the script provides a +1 bonus to Intelligence-based checks for one hour.
  • Empathy Aura: Once per dungeon delve or major event, reading aloud from the quill’s writing forces all within 10 feet to make a Wisdom save or become overwhelmed by insight, rendering them passive for one turn.
  • Encumbrance: Takes up 1 inventory slot.
• Drawback: If the quill is used for deception, the next attempt to write anything meaningful results in the ink fading away, leaving the page blank.

Fate Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Aspect: Feather of Illuminated Truth
• Function:
  • Wisdom Ink: When writing with the quill, the user may invoke an aspect related to knowledge or insight once per scene for free, as the writing enhances comprehension.
  • Empathy Aura: When a passage written by the quill is read aloud, the user may create a temporary aspect, such as “Humbled by Understanding” or “Bound by Shared Emotion”, which can be invoked once for free.
  • Compel Effect: The quill cannot inscribe falsehoods—any attempt causes the writing to fade instantly, and the user must make a Willpower-based roll to resist an overwhelming sense of guilt.

Numenera & Cypher System Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Level: 5
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink: When a passage is written using the quill, any creature who reads it gains an asset on all Intellect-based checks related to understanding the topic for one hour.
  • Empathy Aura (1 Intellect Point, Action): Reading aloud from a passage forces all creatures within Short Range to make an Intellect Defense roll (Difficulty 5) or become Momentarily Awed, reducing their hostility and making them more receptive to peaceful discussion for one minute.
  • Depletion: 1 in 1d20 – The quill’s ink fades, requiring a ritual or rare celestial ink to restore its power.
• Drawback: The quill cannot be used to write deception. Any attempt results in an automatic failure, and the user experiences temporary confusion for one round as their thoughts are overwhelmed by the weight of truth.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition) Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Wondrous Item, Rare (Invested, Divination, Emotion, Mental)
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink (Passive): Any creature who reads a passage written with the quill within 24 hours gains a +2 status bonus on Recall Knowledge checks related to the subject and a +1 status bonus to Perception checks related to detecting deception.
  • Empathy Aura (Once per Hour, Two Actions): The wielder may read a passage aloud, forcing all creatures within 30 feet to make a DC 20 Will save or become Fascinated for 1 minute as they contemplate the knowledge imparted. If they succeed, they are still Flat-Footed for 1 round as they process the insight.
• Curse: If used to write falsehoods, the wielder must succeed on a DC 17 Will save or take a -2 status penalty to all Charisma-based checks for 24 hours, as their mind wrestles with guilt.

Savage Worlds Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Type: Wondrous Item
• Rarity: Rare
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink: Writing with the quill enhances clarity of thought. Any reader gains a +2 bonus to Smarts-based rolls related to understanding or recalling the written topic for one hour.
  • Empathy Aura (Once per Scene, Action): When a passage written with the quill is read aloud, all creatures within Medium Burst Template must make a Spirit roll (TN 4) or become Distracted and Vulnerable for one round, overwhelmed by the sudden depth of understanding.
• Drawback: The quill refuses to inscribe lies. Any attempt to do so results in automatic failure, and the wielder must make a Spirit roll (TN 6) or become Shaken for one round as their thoughts are thrown into disarray.

Shadowrun (6th Edition) Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Type: Magical Item (Foci, Rating 3)
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink (Sustained, Touch Range): Writing with the quill enhances the clarity of thoughts. Any character reading the text gains +2 dice on Arcana, Con, or Influence tests related to understanding or persuasion for one hour.
  • Empathy Aura (Complex Action, Magic + Charisma vs. Willpower + Intuition): Reading the script aloud forces all listeners within 10 meters to roll Willpower + Intuition (Threshold 3) or suffer a -2 dice pool penalty to hostile actions for one combat round due to overwhelming introspection.
  • Drain Value: 2
• Drawback: The quill resists deception—any attempt to write falsehoods results in an automatic critical glitch, and the writer suffers 1 Stun Damage due to mental dissonance.

Starfinder Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Item Level: 6
• Type: Magic Item
• Slot: Held
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink (Standard Action, 24-hour Duration): Writing with the quill grants any reader a +2 insight bonus to Culture, Diplomacy, or Sense Motive checks related to the written topic for the next 24 hours.
  • Empathy Aura (Once per Short Rest, Standard Action): When a passage is read aloud, all creatures within 30 feet must make a DC 18 Will save or become staggered for 1 round, as their minds struggle to process the deep insight imparted.
  • Usage: The quill has 3 charges per day and regains all charges at dawn.
• Drawback: If used to write falsehoods, the wielder must roll a Will save (DC 15) or suffer a -1 penalty to Intelligence-based skill checks for 24 hours due to subconscious guilt.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition) Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Type: Exotic Artifact
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink (Passive, Touch Range): Writing with the quill grants any reader a +1 DM bonus to Investigate, Persuade, or Advocate checks related to the topic for one hour.
  • Empathy Aura (Once per Day, Free Action): Reading a passage aloud forces all creatures within Short Range to make an Average (8+) Intelligence or Endurance check or suffer a DM -2 penalty on their next action, as they struggle to absorb the knowledge.
  • Limitations: The quill is ineffective in low-tech societies that do not understand written language.
• Special: Scholars speculate the artifact originates from a lost pre-spacefaring civilization, as its script reacts to psionic influences when held by a telepath.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (WFRP 4E) Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Type: Magical Writing Implement
• Encumbrance: 0
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink (Passive, 24-hour Duration): Any character reading a passage written with the quill gains +10 to Language (Lore), Intuition, or Research tests related to the topic for one day.
  • Empathy Aura (Once per Scene, Full Action): The wielder may read from the quill’s writing, forcing all enemies in 10 yards to pass a Challenging (+0) Cool Test or suffer a -10 penalty to all actions for one round, overwhelmed by deep contemplation.
• Drawback: The quill refuses to write falsehoods. If the wielder attempts to do so, they suffer one level of Fatigue as their thoughts unravel.

Warhammer 40K (Wrath & Glory) Adaptation

Enlightened Script Quill

• Type: Relic (Sacred Writing Tool)
• Keywords: Imperial, Relic, Psionic
• Effects:
  • Wisdom Ink (Continuous, Touch Range): Writing with the quill grants any reader +1 bonus die to Scholar and Leadership tests for one hour.
  • Empathy Aura (Once per Battle, Action): Reading a passage aloud forces all creatures within 10 meters to make a DN 3 Willpower test or gain the Hindered Condition for one round, overwhelmed by sudden revelation.
• Corruption Risk: If used by someone without pure intentions, the quill subtly influences them toward doubt and introspection. After each battle, the wielder must pass a DN 2 Corruption Test or gain 1 Corruption Point due to the burden of truth.